South Africa Economy – Remz Africa

Business etiquette

Prior appointments and business cards are common, and punctuality goes without saying.

Cape Town
Business practices in Cape Town and South Africa are very similar to those in the UK and the United States. While in the financial sector people mainly wear suits and ties, in Cape Town they are otherwise much more casual than in Johannesburg. Casual trousers, sporty jackets and open-neck shirts are accepted in most areas, while many Cape Town residents even wear shorts, T-shirts and sandals in summer. Even so, visitors should dress too formally rather than too casually. The language of business is English, and exchanging business cards is an important ritual. The greeting between men and women takes place with a vigorous handshake and between the politically particularly careful with the African triple handshake – you first shake your hand normally, then turn your hand.

Business people who come from Johannesburg are particularly irritated by the fact that there is not much going on in Cape Town before 9 a.m. and the beginning of the evening at 5 p.m. (earlier on Fridays too) has almost become an institution. Lots of important business is done during lunchtime, but the uninitiated should beware of the abundant flowing wine (usually 12-13.5% alcohol) during business lunches. South Africans, especially those from Cape Town, are very proud of their distinctive hospitality and often invite foreign visitors to their homes just a few minutes after introducing them. There is an occasional real evening meal there, but they usually have a barbecue called a braai. that can drag on from afternoon until late at night. It is polite to bring one (or three) bottles of wine as a gift for the hosts, unless they are Muslims who do not drink alcohol. In this case, visitors should take flowers or chocolate with them or stock up on a selection of suitable gifts from their home country.

Johannesburg
The South African population is characterized by its great differences, which can be observed particularly well in Johannesburg. While some parts of the city give a visitor the feeling of being in a European city, in others one is unmistakably in the third world of Africa.

There are eleven official languages in South Africa, a country located in Africa according to computerannals, with English being the most widely spoken in government and business affairs (nationally and in the provinces).
In the past, South African business people have been quite formal and conservative. With the increasing influence of black African entrepreneurs, these manners have taken on a friendlier, more informal, and more relaxed turn.

Business people in Johannesburg mostly wear suits, although more and more traditional African robes are also found. When choosing clothes, the very hot summers and bitterly cold winters in this region of South Africa must be taken into account – light fabrics in the warm months (October to April) and thick coats in the cold season (May to September) are appropriate.

Punctuality is still very much appreciated, and you should always address your counterpart with “Mr” or “Ms”, except for first names – usually shortly after the official greeting. The triple handshake is often used between black African entrepreneurs, although they may prefer a normal handshake when meeting with international guests.

You don’t expect gifts in business or private situations. When business people come into conversation casually, for example in a hotel lobby, at an airport or during product presentations, they often exchange business cards. Private contact between entrepreneurs usually consists of meeting for lunch, less often for breakfast or dinner.

Opening hours

Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. / 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. / 5 p.m., opening times may vary depending on the store. Shops and offices usually close earlier on Fridays.

Economy

Economic Department of the Embassy of South Africa
Tiergartenstrasse 18, D-10785 Berlin.
Tel: (030) 22 07 30.
Internet: www.suedafrika.org

German Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Southern Africa
PO Box 87078, Houghton 2041
Tel: (011) 486 27 75.
Internet: www.germanchamber.co.za

Handelsabteilung of the Embassy of South Africa
Sandgasse 33, A-1190 Vienna.
Tel: (01) 320 64 93.
Internet: www.saembvie.at

Trade Department of the Embassy of South Africa
Alpenstrasse 29, CH-3006 Bern.
Tel: (031) 350 13 13.
Internet: www.southafrica.ch

South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI)
24 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Gauteng.
Tel: (011) 446 38 00.
Internet: www.sacci.org.za

South African Foreign Trade Organization (South African Foreign Trade Organization)
PO Box 782099, Sandton 2146.
Tel: (011) 887 93 41.
Internet: www.foreign-trade.co.za

Business contacts